National ICT Strategic Plan Government of St Kitts and Nevis patterns, sugar - manufactured from sugar cane - has traditionally been the island’s most significant export product. However, manufacturing and tourism emerged as major foreign exchange earners during the 1990s. St Kitts and Nevis’ beautiful beaches and its social stability have been important factors in attracting an increasing number of tourists since the late 1980s. In addition, a relatively stable economic climate has provided an attractive environment for foreign investment and a growing offshore services industry. St Kitts and Nevis is a member of the major international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank (IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 1968 several Caribbean countries formed the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), which was successful to the extent that it solidified trade among its members. In an effort to deepen regional integration and to expand cooperation in other areas of development, members of CARIFTA signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas in July 1973 to create the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). St Kitts and Nevis is a member of CARICOM. Currently, countries in the CARICOM region are taking steps to further deepen the integration movement through the creation of a CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). In the creation and pursuit of the vision for St Kitts and Nevis, it is important that we harness our strengths, exploit all opportunities, minimize our weaknesses and mitigate the impact of threats emanating from the internal and external environment. Strengths STRENGTHS 1. Political stability: This stability is reflected in the uninterrupted practice of representative government since 1983, upon which post-colonial Kittitians and Nevisians have built a remarkable and cohesive democratic system, which compares favourably with world-class standards. Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development, Information and Technology November, 2006 8